mercruiser inboard engine

[mikebhunt]

I am looking at getting a 1975 26ft Wellcraft with a mercruiser inboard engine. The engine needs to be rebuilt. I have been around car engines for a long time and have even rebuilt a few ford engines. I am wondering what is the difference between a mercruiser engine and a ford car engine? I've heard that the distributor and cam are different because the marine engine turns opposite, but are the bearings, rings, etc the same on a mercruiser 5.0 and on the ford 5.0? I realize that this is probably a dumb question, but i have never had a boat before and this is all new to me. Thanks for help and input. Mike

[Jango]

Caburator, Alternator, starter, distributor, gaskets (exposed to water), water pump, fuel pump are all different than on a car. Spark producing accessories must be sealed to prevent fire and explosion and anything exposed to cooling water should be upgraded to copper, brass or stainless steel.
Pistons, rings, and bearings are usually the same as used on a truck. My 302 mercruiser cam was the same as used on a truck. Most marine engines turn the same direction as a car, but can be opposite (RH) as well.

[mikebhunt]

Thanks for the info. on what is different between the car and marine engines. I'm guessing that if it is a marine application it is probably more expensive. Do you have a suggestion for a seller that provides rebuild parts for marine engines at reasonable rates?

[Jango]

Mike, Marine parts will be more expensive. I have bought some parts from these people:

http://bpi.ebasicpower.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=eBasicPower&Category_Code=IB

Keep in mind, you can get to a complete "Long Block" using automotive (truck) parts only. You just need to get stainless or copper clad head gaskets from "Summit Racing " or Jegs.

[gonzo]

PCM makes new replacement engines. I think it is about $3500.00 for a base engine.